Job Posting: Compliance Specialist

CA High Speed Rail Authority

JC-537819
-
Compliance Specialist
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

$4,551.00 - $9,787.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 11/17/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory) as part of the Environmental Services Branch with the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority), the Environmental Scientist (Compliance Specialist) will assist with the administration and implementation of the Authority’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) assignment Program, as assigned by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in the NEPA Assignment Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), pursuant to 23 USC 327. The Compliance Specialist assists with providing compliance guidance on NEPA, as well as other federal laws and regulations, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the High-Speed Rail (HSR) project. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that all currently approved and permitted project segments comply with permit conditions and assisting with NEPA and CEQA compliance for future segments, ensuring that all project segments are properly authorized, monitored, and implemented consistently with state and federal requirements. To ensure full environmental compliance during all phases of project development and construction, the incumbent will coordinate with all Environmental Services Branch units at the Authority, including contract and legal staff, as well as federal and state partners, consultants, and construction contractors.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Part-time telework is available for this position for California residents based on the requirements of the position and may be discussed during the interview process. Hiring interviews may be available virtually, using teleconferencing or video conferencing options.

While working on-site, the incumbent works in a professional office environment, in a climate-controlled area which may fluctuate in temperature and is under artificial light. The incumbent will be required to use a computer, mouse, and keyboard, and will be required to sit for long periods of time at a computer screen. Employees must be able to focus for long periods of time, multi-task, adapt to changes in priorities, and complete tasks or projects with short notice. Employees must develop and maintain cooperative working relationships and display professionalism and respect for others in all contact opportunities. This position requires occasional field work to coordinate and prepare permits and permit amendments with various agencies during both the design and construction phases. In the field the incumbent may experience all climatic conditions, including rain or snow. Proposed project sites and/or construction sites may be loud, dusty, and dirty and may include rugged terrain. The incumbent will be involved in mitigation activities, including mitigation monitoring activities that may also require field visits.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-537819
Position #(s):
311-660-0762-004
311-660-0762-005
311-660-0762-003
Working Title:
Compliance Specialist
Classification:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
$4,551.00 - $6,337.00 A
$5,531.00 - $7,718.00 B
$7,000.00 - $9,787.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
3
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Are you looking for a different type of state government job? Something with a little more excitement and a more fast-paced and fluid environment? How about an opportunity to be part of one of the most remarkable transportation projects in California's history? The California High-Speed Rail Authority is a small and dynamic state agency that is looking for employees who are interested in a challenging and rewarding job opportunity.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey. Completing this survey is not required to be considered for this vacancy.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HCM6SCC

Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary salary reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals.
For additional information please visit https://hrmanual.calhr.ca.gov/Home/ManualItem/1/2113.
Department Website: https://hsr.ca.gov/jobs/

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 11/17/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Attn: Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4
Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

CA High Speed Rail Authority
High Speed Rail Authority
Human Resources
770 L Street, Suite 620, MS 4
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Professional experience in environmental permitting or compliance.
  • Experience in research, planning, or consultation in environmental programs.
  • Experience with NEPA, CEQA, state and federal environmental laws and regulations, and environmental permitting; Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, Sections 401, 402, and 404 of the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, California Endangered Species Act.
  • Experience preparing or implementing Section 401/404 permits for construction or infrastructure projects in California.
  • Strong interagency collaboration skills demonstrated through interactive relationships with multiple state and federal resources and regulatory agencies.
  • Experience with design-build contracting and alternative delivery construction processes and methods.
  • Ability to work under tight deadlines to deliver complex environmental permits, authorizations, and approvals.
  • Experience demonstrating effective written and verbal communication in a professional environment.
  • Experience working within integrated multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, flexibility, judgment, and confidentiality.
  • Ability to follow and implement guidance and direction from a supervisor and demonstrate good judgment in knowing when to seek assistance and guidance from a supervisor or colleague.
  • Ability to represent the Authority in dealings with other government agencies and private entities in a way that reflects well on the Authority.
  • Possession of a bachelor’s or advanced degree with a major in biological, chemical, physical, or environmental science, soil science, water science, hydrology, agronomy, natural resource science, environmental or public health, physical geography, or a closely related scientific discipline.

Benefits

The State of California offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, a retirement pension, a telework stipend if applicable, and an array of other options.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: https://hsr.ca.gov/jobs/
Human Resources Contact:
Human Resources
(916) 669-6606
recruitment@hsr.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 324-1541
eeo@hsr.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Application Information

The STD. 678 is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

If applying via postal mail or by dropping off your application, applicants must include JC-537819 and Compliance Specialist, 311-660-0762-003_004_005 in the 'Job Title' section of the STD. 678 to be considered for this position. Please indicate on the STD 678 your basis of eligibility in the "Explanations" field (i.e. SROA, surplus, reemployment, reinstatement, transfer, or list eligible.)

Surplus/SROA candidates must provide a copy of their surplus/SROA letter with their application. Consideration may be given to applicants on another Department's employment list, provided the criteria are met to transfer the eligibility from the employment list to the Authority's employment list. Training and Development assignments are not being considered at this time.

NOTE: To be considered for this job opportunity, applicants must be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. If you are new to California State service and you do not have list eligibility, you must take the exam for this classification. To gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin.

Location

This is a statewide recruitment. Positions may be filled in any of the following High-Speed Rail Authority office locations. Selected candidates will be assigned to the office location closest to their home.

o Sacramento
o Fresno

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job